Thomas Nicholas Parmalee, Jr.

Thomas Nicholas Parmalee, Jr. passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was 63 years old.

Born on March 31, 1963, in Yerington, Nevada. Thomas was the son of the late Thomas Nicholas Parmalee, Sr. and Cheryl Elaine Oliver. He was also preceded in death by various beloved aunts and uncles, as well as the love of his life, Jessica M. Parmalee.

Thomas lived a life filled with resilience, adventure, and above all, love for his family. Moving often as a child created challenges, but Thomas never let obstacles define him. He later earned his GED, proving the determination and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life.

He met Jessica at Circus Circus in Reno, NV, and their love story began there. They were married in Reno before eventually settling in Tulsa, OK, where they welcomed their two children. Though life led them down different paths, they remained close friends and devoted co-parents. Despite the years and changes life brought, Jessica remained the great love of his life until his final days. He carried the wallet she gave him 24 years ago, a quiet symbol of a love that never truly faded.

Thomas was a hardworking man who did whatever was necessary to provide for those he loved. Over the years, he worked many jobs, including waiting tables, driving a cab, construction work, and building heavy machinery for Caterpillar. He believed in honest work and took pride in doing what needed to be done.

He had a zest for life and never lost his sense of adventure. Thomas was an avid hockey fan who proudly cheered for the Carolina Hurricanes. He loved museums, bowling, amusement parks – especially the biggest roller coasters – and even went skydiving on three different occasions. He was also passionate about music, especially classic hair bands and heavy metal. He would travel for concert and festivals, driving as far as Virginia and West Virginia, and it was not unusual for him to make an overnight trip to Raleigh just to see a show before heading back home.

More than anything else, Thomas loved his family. He was endlessly proud of his daughter, Kaila Parmalee, often telling anyone who would listen how talented she was as a photographer and how she “kept doctors in line for a living.” He was equally proud of his son, Thomas N. Parmalee, III, whom he described as one of the smartest people he knew and someone who could build nearly anything, especially with wood.

His greatest joy in life came from being “Dude” to his beloved grandsons, Thomas N. Parmalee, IV, Soldier Parmalee and Chad Levi Prince. He adored them beyond measure and loved bragging about how smart, silly, and kind they were. Being their grandfather was the role he treasured most.

Thomas is survived by his daughter, Kaila Parmalee and her husband Justin Hatfield; his son, Thomas N. Parmalee, III and his wife Stephanie Parmalee; and his cherished grandsons, Thomas N. Parmalee, IV, Soldier Parmalee and Chad Levi Prince.

Thomas was more than a father and grandfather, he was a friend, a source of laughter, and a blessing to those who knew him. His memory will live on in the stories he told, the music he loved, the adventures he embraced, and the family he adored.

A Celebration Of Life for Thomas will take place at a later date. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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